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The Reason Why by Cecil Woodham-Smith (Second Edition), 1953 ⚔️🇬🇧📜

The Reason Why by Cecil Woodham-Smith (Second Edition), 1953 ⚔️🇬🇧📜

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1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a second edition of The Reason Why, a historical work by Cecil Woodham-Smith. Published in 1953, this book is an account of the events leading to the Charge of the Light Brigade.


2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

The Reason Why is a historical study of the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War of 1854. The narrative provides a detailed look at the personalities and animosities of the British commanders, the Earls of Cardigan and Lucan. The book explores how this rivalry led to a miscommunication.


3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Cecil Woodham-Smith (1896-1977) was a British historian and biographer. She is known for her biographies of Florence Nightingale and her study of the Great Irish Famine. Woodham-Smith was known for her meticulous research and for crafting works for a general audience.


4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

This book provides context for the Crimean War, a transitional moment in military history. The book explores the Charge of the Light Brigade as a result of the rigid class structure of the British army.

The book also reflects the post-war appetite for historical narratives that explored the human cost of conflict.


5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is for a collector of British history, a scholar of military tactics, or a private library of works on the Victorian era. It is an acquisition for a collector who values a book's historical significance.


6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As a second edition, this book is not as rare as a first printing. The rarity is Decorative/Market Grade. Its value is in the reputation of its author and its status as a text on the subject. A well-preserved copy is a sound acquisition for a collector of popular history and military studies.


7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is in good vintage condition, reflecting its age and use.

  • The hardcover binding is solid.

  • The pages are clean.

  • The covers show some expected shelf wear.


8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

  • Cecil Woodham-Smith was expelled from a school for officers' daughters for skipping class to visit the National Gallery.

  • She claimed to have written the most famous part of The Reason Why in a single 36-hour writing session.

  • A planned television debate on The Reason Why was canceled because producers could not find a historian to critique her work.


9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

  • Title: The Reason Why

  • Author/Maker: Cecil Woodham-Smith

  • Year: 1953

  • Publisher/Foundry: McGraw-Hill Book Company

  • Place of Origin: New York, USA

  • Format/Binding: Hardcover

  • Edition: Second Edition

  • Rarity: Decorative/Market Grade

  • Transcription: This book does not contain any personal inscriptions or unique markings.

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